Image forming apparatus, host apparatus, image forming method, print control method, and computer-readable recording medium

Abstract

An image forming apparatus, a method, and a computer-readable recording medium are provided. The image forming apparatus includes an input unit which receives image data, a detection unit which detects a printing concentration of the received image data, an image processing unit which composes a copy protection pattern and the image data so that the copy protection pattern is printed with a concentration corresponding to the detected printing concentration, and an image forming unit which prints image data composed with the copy protection pattern.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is related to, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) to, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2013-0006714 filed Jan. 21, 2013 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field[0003]Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an image forming apparatus, a host apparatus, an image forming method, a print control method, and a computer-readable recording medium. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus, a host apparatus, an image forming method, a print control method, and a computer-readable recording medium that can output a copy prevention pattern, varying a concentration of the copy prevention pattern depending on a concentration of a print image.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]An image forming apparatus is an apparatus that can perform one or more of generati...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present patent provides an image forming apparatus, method, and computer-readable recording medium that can output a copy protection pattern varying with the concentration of printed image data. This allows for better protection of sensitive information while still maintaining high-quality printing. The apparatus can detect the printing concentration of the image data and composes the copy protection pattern accordingly. The method and apparatus can also allow for color printing using multiple toners and select the color of the copy protection pattern based on the amount of toner or the shape and location of the copy protection pattern. The technical effects of the invention include improved copy protection and more efficient use of printing resources.

Problems solved by technology

However, there are problems with this method in that since dedicated printing media are used, a purchase cost of the dedicated printing media is required, and upon the dedicated printing media run out, printouts with the copy protection pattern cannot be printed out.

However, when the second method is used, there is a problem that toner consumption increases over when only documents are printed since additional consumption of toner for printing the copy prevention images is required.

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